Take A Step Or Two For Diabetes UK

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 04 Jun 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Join one of our annual Walk in the Park events to help raise crucial funds and awareness. Diabetes UK is calling on all passionate walkers to get involved and enjoy some gentle physical activity.

Walk in the Park, which includes 100 walks up and down the country, is a fun day out for all the family and most routes are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Registered walkers will each receive a drawstring bag and everyone who completes the route will receive a medal.

Diabetes Week 2008

Diabetes Week (8 to 14 June 2008) will be launched at the Regent's Park walk on Sunday 8 June at 11am. It will be attended by CBBC presenters Ortis Deley and Ed Petrie.

Building on success

Kym Ryder (pictured) of Hear'Say and Coronation Street fame is fronting Diabetes UK's Walk in the Park for the second year running.

"Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate and many of us are either affected by it personally, or know someone who is," said Kym.

"Both my auntie and uncle have insulin-dependent diabetes so I am aware of the affect of diabetes and its complications.

Keeping active is important

"Keeping active is really important in helping people with diabetes successfully manage their condition and helping those of us with a family history of Type 2 diabetes to prevent or delay the onset of the condition. Since it began Walk in the Park has raised more than £1.3 million! This money is vital to help fund research projects.

"I want to help Diabetes UK build on this fantastic success and help them to make diabetes, and its complications, a thing of the past. I hope that you will be able attend your local walk and help make a big difference to the lives of people with diabetes."

Help us reach our target

Walk in the Park has grown in popularity since starting in 1999 and Diabetes UK is hoping that walkers will help reach this year's overall target of £280,000 for diabetes research projects.

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: "It is really important that we get as many people along to the walk as possible this year.

"It is a super, family day out to support such an important cause. Living a healthy lifestyle is important for good diabetes control and walking is a great way to become more active. I would urge anyone who is available on the day to come and join us."

Diabetes UK